Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: cutaneous cysticercosis: practice question

A Dermatology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Dermatology · Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: cutaneous cysticercosis

Sample item

A young man from rural North India has multiple painless firm subcutaneous nodules on the trunk, and has had a seizure. Radiographs of the thigh show rice-grain calcifications. Which parasite is responsible?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Taenia solium larvae

Cysticercosis results from ingestion of Taenia solium eggs, and the larvae form cysts in the subcutis, muscle and brain. Subcutaneous nodules with seizures point to neurocysticercosis, and calcified cysts show on radiographs.

Option by option

  • A. Dracunculus medinensis

    Dracunculus causes a painful blister and emerging worm on the lower limb.

  • B. Onchocerca volvulus

    Onchocerca causes itchy nodules, dermatitis and river blindness.

  • C. Echinococcus granulosus

    Echinococcus causes hydatid cysts, mainly in the liver and lung.

  • D. Taenia solium larvae (correct)

    Correct. Cysticerci of Taenia solium cause subcutaneous nodules, seizures and calcified cysts.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Dermatology question

What is the answer to this Dermatology question?

The best answer is D, Taenia solium larvae. Cysticercosis results from ingestion of Taenia solium eggs, and the larvae form cysts in the subcutis, muscle and brain.

Why is "Dracunculus medinensis" not the answer?

Dracunculus causes a painful blister and emerging worm on the lower limb.

Why is "Onchocerca volvulus" not the answer?

Onchocerca causes itchy nodules, dermatitis and river blindness.

Why is "Echinococcus granulosus" not the answer?

Echinococcus causes hydatid cysts, mainly in the liver and lung.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: cutaneous cysticercosis in Dermatology. Subcutaneous nodules with seizures point to neurocysticercosis, and calcified cysts show on radiographs.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Infections: bacterial, viral, fungal, parasitic: cutaneous cysticercosis?

Learn each condition by its primary lesion, site and signature sign. Then use the flashcards and the other Dermatology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.